The Western Hotel seems to be located somewhere between Gomer Pyle's gas station and Little House on the Prairie, but don't let its out-of-the way location in tiny Harrisville, RI, deter you from sampling a bit of history, loads of character and some terrific comfort foods.

Situated in a former 1700s stagecoach stop that once accommodated Abraham Lincoln (don't worry, not recently), this lonesome-looking, historic, craggy long wooden building features a cozy, rustic, all-wood dining room and swinging doors leading to a friendly and equally rustic bar. You would expect to see Gary Cooper walking in here at high noon, but the reality is that the Western Hotel is family-friendly with the proof being in the glitter crayons for the kids. The service is really pleasant -- the staff makes you feel like part of the family.

Locals rave about the great bar pizza, prime rib, marinated steak tips and fish and chips, but I really enjoyed the tender, black "Diamond" sirloin steak that matched the quality of those more expensive urban steak houses. The Western Hotel also features a terrific red Rhode Island clam chowder with a flavorful tomato base and plenty of tender clams.

If you're looking for an out-of-the-way restaurant with excellent food that seems like your own special discovery -- and a place that will make you feel right at home-- then consider the Western Hotel.